AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any colleague or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, military status or any other category protected by local law. Head of Legal, Germany and Northern Europe (m/f/d) Permanent, Cologne, Germany This is a CBI role regulated under the Central Bank of Ireland’s Fitness and Probity regime. · The Head of Legal Germany and Northern Europe will lead and oversee a team of lawyers based in Germany and Northern Europe (to date\: Benelux, Nordics, Austria, Switzerland and Poland), dealing with day-to-day requests for legal advice coming from local management (esp. Country Management and Underwriting Teams) in relation to (re)insurance, commercial and corporate activities and will deal with all aspects of legal work for the AXAXL Branch network in Northern Europe. · The Head of Legal Germany and Northern Europe will form part of the German branch Leadership Team, partnering with internal stakeholders, including in the APAC Europe Business Unit and other enabling functions. · The Head of Legal Germany and Northern Europe will report to the General Counsel for APAC Europe & Global Programs and have a dotted line to the Country manager for Germany and Northern Europe. DISCOVER your opportunity What will your essential responsibilities include? · Lead and oversee a team of lawyers based in Germany and in Northern Europe and ensure delivery effective, efficient and timely legal advice to the business across the region. · Support Country Management in enhancing the governance, compliance, and internal control framework to ensure alignment with AXA XL's business objectives and regulatory requirements and joining and attending to the relevant branch’s management committee(s). · Perform and arrange for local Legal trainings as required. · Reviewing marketing and commercial materials and press releases. · Liaise with competent authorities and industry’s associations and arranging for relevant filings. · Oversee local non-claims litigations and report developments to the APAC Europe General counsel. · Wording support and legal advice to all lines of business, including drafting of pre-bind guidance, perform post bind reviews. · Approve on commercial contracts and closely interact with AXA XL’s international Procurement team in this regard. · Keep abreast of changes in relevant legal, compliance and regulatory developments, with a specific focus on insurance and insurance distribution rules, contract and commercial law, financial crime regulation and others that may be relevant to the company’s and their clients’ business. Key advisor to the General Counsel APAC Europe on insurance and regulatory matters for APAC Europe (Horizon scanning) · Provide a monthly report as part of the standard XLICSE branch reporting coordinated through Country Managers. · Monitor legal activities of external counsels. · Collaborate with Compliance team on various issues across Northern Europe. · Coordinate and support AXA XL / Group projects in collaboration with peers and other functions. · Steer APAC Europe Legal Team on Global and Regional projects including Tech & Ops related projects in collaboration with peers in AXA XL and AXA as well as with relevant functions. You will report to General Counsel APAC & Europe & Global Programs. SHARE your talent We’re looking for someone who has these abilities and skills: · Fully qualified lawyer (2nd state examination) with at least one exam passed with distinction · 15 years of professional experience as a in house lawyer within the Large risk Insurance industry (Large risks insurers and brokers). Operational experience (like underwriting or claims) is a plus, as well as job experience abroad. · Specialized in insurance and reinsurance law (including global programs expertise), and related litigation, with knowledge and experience in compliance, commercial law and civil law. · Proven experience in team management. · Excellent technical legal skills, especially across (re)insurance and general commercial work. · Excellent communication skills, commercial acumen and the ability to explain and present complex issues clearly and efficiently to underwriters, managers and senior executives. · Strong understanding of EU legal and regulatory environments. · Foreign languages preferred\: German and English, additional language of the region a plus. · Broad knowledge of insurance contract law. · Ability to exercise sound judgement and provide good, robust and commercial legal advice. · Ability to work independently without supervision as well as part of a team. · Ability to manage and support a diverse team of European lawyers. · The position is designed as a corporate lawyer position (status as Syndikusrechtsanwalt) Our BENEFITS We’re offering: · An attractive working environment, with attractive compensation with a secure, socially committed and fair employer · For us, the compatibility of family and career is important - among other things with 30 days of vacation plus 1 day vacation on your birthday, a flexible working time model as well as the possibility to work from home · An attractive company pension plan and the option to purchase company shares at preferential conditions · Appealing gastronomy with varied and healthy dining options in modern office buildings · Diverse opportunities for personal and professional development · Special offers for employees, such as Digital4U - gross leasing for private IT devices (tablets, laptops, smartphones and much more) FIND your future AXA XL, the P&C and specialty risk division of AXA, is known for solving complex risks. For mid-sized companies, multinationals and even some inspirational individuals we don’t just provide re/insurance, we reinvent it. How? By combining a comprehensive and efficient capital platform, data-driven insights, leading technology, and the best talent in an agile and inclusive workspace, empowered to deliver top client service across all our lines of business − property, casualty, professional, financial lines and specialty. With an innovative and flexible approach to risk solutions, we partner with those who move the world forward. Learn more at axaxl.com Inclusion & Diversity AXA XL is committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider applicants regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity and origins, marital status, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. At AXA XL, we know that an inclusive culture and a diverse workforce enable business growth and are critical to our success. That’s why we have made a strategic commitment to attract, develop, advance and retain the most diverse workforce possible, and create an inclusive culture where everyone can bring their full selves to work and can reach their highest potential. It’s about helping one another — and our business — to move forward and succeed. · Five Business Resource Groups focused on gender, LGBTQ, ethnicity and origins, disability and inclusion with 20 Chapters around the globe · Robust support for Flexible Working Arrangements · Enhanced family friendly leave benefits · Named to the Diversity Best Practices Index · Signatory to the UK Women in Finance Charter AXA XL is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Find out more on our Inclusion & Diversity page. Sustainability At AXA XL, Sustainability is integral to our business strategy. In an ever-changing world, AXA XL protects what matters most for our clients and communities. We know that sustainability is at the root of a more resilient future. Our 2023-26 Sustainability strategy, called “Roots of resilience”, focuses on protecting natural ecosystems, addressing climate change, and embedding sustainable practices across our operations. Our Pillars: · Valuing nature: How we impact nature affects how nature impacts us. Resilient ecosystems - the foundation of a sustainable planet and society – are essential to our future. We’re committed to protecting and restoring nature – from mangrove forests to the bees in our backyard – by increasing biodiversity awareness and inspiring clients and colleagues to put nature at the heart of their plans. · Addressing climate change: The effects of a changing climate are far reaching and significant. Unpredictable weather, increasing temperatures, and rising sea levels cause both social inequalities and environmental disruption. We're building a net zero strategy, developing insurance products and services, and mobilizing to advance thought leadership and investment in societal-led solutions. · Integrating ESG: All companies have a role to play in building a more resilient future. Incorporating ESG considerations into our internal processes and practices builds resilience from the roots of our business. We’re training our colleagues, engaging our external partners, and evolving our sustainability governance and reporting. · AXA Hearts in Action: We have established volunteering and charitable giving programs to help colleagues support causes that matter most to them, known as AXA XL’s “Hearts in Action” programs. These include our Matching Gifts program, Volunteering Leave, and our annual volunteering day – the Global Day of Giving. For more information, please see axaxl.com/sustainability Interested? We look forward to receiving your application documents, stating your earliest starting date, at Karriereaxaxl.com .